PENGUINS SET TO OPEN TRAINING CAMP

Pittsburgh Penguins 2005-2006 Training CampHockey-starved fans will see plenty of pucks on the menu this week at Mellon Arena. The Pittsburgh Penguins begin training camp Tuesday and fans, coaches and players alike are eager to experience NHL action return to the ice.

For the first time since the 1994-95 season, Penguins camp will be staged primarily at Mellon Arena. The schedule for the first day will involve medical exams, physical testing and a team meeting. There will be voluntary open ice for the players from 1-3 p.m.

Fans will get a chance to attend practice free of charge from Wednesday until Sunday. The Penguins begin practice at 8 a.m. Wednesday and will be split up into four teams (Teams Francis, Herbie, Badger and E.J.). The four units will practice for approximately 90 minutes apiece Wednesday and then participate in the Penguins’ annual training camp tournament Thursday-Sunday.

Fans may enter Gate 1 on all five days and some concession stands as well as PenStation, the Penguins’ team store, will be open.

The WDVE Morning Show will broadcast live from the West Igloo seats on Wednesday from 6-10 a.m., and Sheri Van Dyke of 3WS will be doing her show from the same location on Thursday from 9am until 2pm.

Also, representatives from the Penguins ticketing department will set up shop inside Mellon Arena to assist fans wishing to purchase season ticket plans. Available seats will be marked to allow fans to gauge sightlines and location.

The Penguins feature a revamped lineup that features free-agent additions Mark Recchi, Sergei Gonchar, John LeClair, Ziggy Palffy, Steve Poapst, Andre Roy, Ryan VandenBussche and Lyle Odelein as well as goalie Jocelyn Thibault, who was acquired in a trade, and first-overall draft pick Sidney Crosby.

Fans will be able to witness the team’s new additions as well as stars Mario Lemieux, Ryan Malone and Dick Tarnstrom. Also, a multitude of prospects will be in attendance battling for one of the Penguins’ open spots, which should provide for intense and exciting hockey.

Following Sunday’s tournament championship game, Monday’s practice sessions will be closed to the public. The Penguins open their preseason game slate that night at Columbus. The Penguins travel to Wilkes-Barre the next day as camp shifts to the location of the team’s top minor league affiliate for five days.